Pet owners, do you have a furry friend who likes to leave “surprises” on the ground?
Well, we’d better start tracking them down as DNA tests will be conducted to sniff out the culprits.
Couple walking a dog (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
The Truth About DNA Testing
Yes, you’re right. Some apartment complexes and homeowners associations are now requiring residents to DNA test their dogs, with the goal of creating a database of dog DNA profiles. That way, if any unpicked poop is found on the property, the culprits can be identified and fined.
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That might sound a bit extreme, but let’s be realistic: No one wants to step in a steaming pile of dog poop on the way to their mailbox, and dealing with unclaimed dog waste can be a real headache (and smelly) for property managers.
Woman walking a dog (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Pioneers of poop control
This DNA testing trend isn’t new, but it’s certainly gaining momentum: Some Denver apartment complexes had already implemented a service called PooPrints in 2019. Catchy name, right?
How it works is simple: residents register their dogs and take a cheek swab for DNA testing. Once a database is built, fraudulent piles are matched to the dog in question and the owner is fined. In some places, the fines can be as high as $250. As you can imagine, that’s a pretty steep fine for not picking up your pet’s change.
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Man walking a dog (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
The bark spreads throughout the country
Fast forward to today, and PooPrints (or similar services) are spreading to communities in all 50 states. In Utah in particular, many apartment complexes have jumped on the DNA dog feces bandwagon and embraced the idea.
And now, the Oak Meadows complex in Connecticut. The latest addition Crackdown on dog poop: Residents will have to get their dogs DNA tested in July or face a $25 a day fine if they don’t comply. That’s awful. Some residents see it as an invasion of privacy, but others support it as a way to curb the problem of uncollected dog poop.
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Dog walking on a lead (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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Important points about the cart
We get it. Having to DNA test your dog just to clean up after yourself seems a bit excessive. But at the same time, leaving dog poop lying around is completely inconsiderate (and disgusting). Maybe these DNA tests are just what we need to encourage pet owners to clean up after themselves responsibly. After all, no one wants to live in an area littered with dog landmines. So, dog owners, take a doggy bag with you on your walks and pick up your dog’s poop. That way you can avoid this DNA drama altogether and keep your neighborhood clean, green (and odor-free).
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